Monolithic IC Integrating Logic Circuit and Voltage Level Shifter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power inverter control systems require dedicated pins for modulation signals, leading to issues with package layout, drive signal symmetry, and connection resistivity, and often necessitate external input values that complicate design and increase parasitics.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic integrated circuit (IC) with a mixed-signal design that integrates a logic circuit and voltage level shifter, eliminating the need for dedicated pins by generating and shifting modulation signals internally, thus allowing for a more compact and efficient power inverter control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate ICs are used for logic circuit and voltage level shifter with dedicated pins, then each IC can be optimized independently, but package layout complexity and connection resistivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the logic circuit and voltage level shifter into a single integrated circuit. The logic circuit generates modulation signals while the voltage level shifter shifts these signals to appropriate voltage levels for driving power switches, all within one IC package. This eliminates the need for separate ICs and dedicated pins, reducing package layout complexity and connection resistivity while maintaining independent optimization of each functional block within the unified device.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated pins are used for modulation signals, then signal routing is straightforward, but connection resistivity and parasitics increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the logic circuit and voltage level shifter in a single IC, the modulation signals are generated and shifted internally without requiring external dedicated pins. This internal integration eliminates long external connections, reducing connection resistivity and parasitic effects while maintaining straightforward signal routing through internal interconnects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external input values are used for power inverter control, then design flexibility is maintained, but design complexity and parasitics increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit provides universal functionality by combining logic circuit operations and voltage level shifting in one device. The single IC can adapt to different power inverter configurations and control requirements through its integrated architecture, eliminating the need for multiple external components and complex interconnections while maintaining design flexibility for various applications.
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a logic circuit (320) monolithically formed on the IC. The logic circuit is configured to generate modulation signals (330a, 330b, 330c; 332a, 332b, 332c) for controlling power switches of a power inverter. The logic circuit (320) generates the modulation signals based on at least one input value (idx1, idx2, idx3). The IC further includes a voltage level shifter (334a, 334b, 334c) monolithically formed on the IC. The voltage level shifter is configured to shift the modulation signals to a voltage level suitable for driving the power switches of the power inverter. The logic circuit can be a digital logic circuit and the input value can be a digital input value. The IC can also include a sense circuit (322) monolithically formed on the IC. The sense circuit is configured to generate the input value (idx2).